Nine years ago when I held my first-born child, Melina, for the first time, I knew I had what had been missing in my life. I knew that there in that hospital with Melina, I was exactly where God wanted me to be. Now with five wonderful children, four girls and one boy, I can see myself in them: in my son David’s protective instinct, in Melina’s creativity and sense of humour, in Serena’s feisty spirit, in Ellie’s need for hugs, in Faith’s silliness. Yet, when we are together in public, people often stare at us, probably because my children are Hispanic and I am not; all of them are adopted.

  

When I look at my children, all I see is Melina, Ellie, David, Serena and Faith. They are the joy of my life. I often smile when I remember that the way I see my children is the way God sees each of us; he delights in us. No matter what our experience with earthly fathers is, having God as our parent means that we have access to safety, love, guidance, help, courage and security. The apostle Paul reminds us of this personal, loving relationship we can have with God in today’s quoted verse. As God’s children, we find our identity and our home.

Prayer: Abba, Father, thank you for adopting us into your family. Help us to love you and to extend your love to others. Amen